Methodist prelate commends Jonathan for anti-gay bill

The Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Uche, on Friday commended President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the anti-gay bill into law.

The prelate said in a statement in Aba, Abia on Friday that gay marriage, homosexuality or lesbianism were ungodly, unethical, iniquitous and un-African.

He also commended the courage and forthrightness of the National Assembly in passing the bill.

Uche expressed happiness with the courage of the leaders in ignoring the outcry against the nation by foreign interests who wanted Nigeria to kill the bill.

“As a sovereign nation, we have come of age and should not tie Nigeria to the apron strings of any nation no matter how powerful that nation may claim to be.

“This development is a plus to our government and should be followed by other steps that will appeal to Nigerians.

“What is important now is for all Nigerians irrespective of state, local government, ethnic, tribal or political leaning to work together for a viable and virile nation,” he said.

According to the prelate, such a nation should be one where no one will be marginalised or oppressed.

Uche urged Nigerians to pray more and to hope for a brighter future.

He also condemned the sustained attacks on innocent citizens by the Boko Haram sect as well as attacks on communities in Plateau by unknown gunmen.

“These, no doubt, are difficult and challenging times for us in this country and something urgent must be done to abate this satanic and dangerous trend.

“These attacks negate the universal principle of civility expected in a society where the protection of the citizens is upheld by those saddled with such responsibilities,” he said.

He described the protection of the citizens as a fundamental right and freedom as enshrined in the constitution.

According to him, there is a continued cry for justice and so the perpetrators of these evils and their sponsors should be unmasked to stop the mayhem.

“The people bearing the brunt of all these attacks are the masses of this nation who have to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

“It is time to say ‘enough-is-enough’. The government at all levels must restore the confidence of Nigerians by bringing the sponsors and perpetrators of these satanic acts to justice.